The rate of growth in the state of North Carolina is quite impressive. In the last ten years, its population increased a tremendous 16.7%. It is now the ninth wealthiest state in the country. Its predominantly agricultural economy is starting to be supplanted by finance, scientific research and advanced technology from what is referred to as the “research triangle.” Not surprisingly, if a student is willing to do a little hustling, he or she can also find an incredible wealth of grants to spur his or her advanced education.

Most grants are administered by the North Carolina Educational Assistance Authority (NCEAA). Its basic grant is the Student Incentive Grant. Any local student who can demonstrate the need can apply and receive as much as $700, as long as he or she will go to a local college or university.

If students need further financial aid, the grants become dependent on various conditions. For instance, students who live in the Research Triangle region, and plan to go to a college in the area, can contact the Assistance League for their Triangle Scholarship Program. If qualified, it will provide a supplemental $1,000 grant.

State employees have two different options they can draw from. The first is the State Employees Association. If the employee or a direct relation wants to continue their education at a vocational school or an on campus or online college, their program will offer anywhere from $500 to $1,000. The second plan is called the People Helping People plan, and it can go as high as $10,000 for a 4-year degree. If you are a rural resident, you can also apply for the Golden Leaf Scholars Program. If qualified, the Golden Leaf will award $750 a semester to a 2-year degree, $3,000 a year for a Bachelor’s.

Wachovia is one of the largest of the financial institutions in the U.S., and it happens to be based out of North Carolina. As such, it has set up the Technical Scholarship Program for those pursuing technical 2-year degrees. Each year, Wachovia awards one hundred grants of $500 annually. To get it, applying must be done through the vocational school itself.

Another program handled through the NCEAA is the Contractual Scholarship Fund. This grant is good for any kind of post-secondary education, academic or vocational, on campus or online. Founded in 1971, the amount of this grant varies from year to year and is based on financial need.

For the visually impaired or legally blind, North Carolina has a program provided for by the American Council of the Blind. It can range from $500 to $4,000, is based on need and is renewable, and is specifically designed to help a student with the modifications needed to learn on an equal footing with every other student.